Rescued dog had a barking meltdown today

[Shakila Dee]

(Cross posted in "Defensive Dogs" folder)


I adopted a female Chi/Terrier mix about a month ago who's about a yr. old. All I know about her history is that she came from a backyard breeder situation although it's obvious she was never socialized. I recently started obedience classes with her and they seem to be great for her confidence as she had a serious barking fit today at the dog park !

I have never heard her bark so viciously before at a bunch of other dogs playing so nice and quietly and minding their own business. She was the only dog there that was causing a problem and try as I might to get her to settle down and be quiet she just kept getting louder and louder until finally I had to take her back home again all in the space of about 5 minutes. People kept looking at me like, “What the hell’s wrong with your dog?”

This is the same dog that went to obedience classes yesterday and played with the little dogs there so nicely not barking at all and the same dog that also came to the beach with me after class and was really well behaved around all the other dogs there, including some bigger ones even though she's still somewhat scared of them. She also charged towards a tiny Chihuahua puppy while I had her on leash and not only did she scare the puppy but she terrified the owner too. She also did that to a small dog at the dog park earlier too who came up to greet her. Can’t figure out why she’s fairly normal one day (as in sweet, although still somewhat fearful or reserved/submissive when meeting new dogs one on one) and then the next day she’s a wild out of control pit bull. She even had a large dog slowly approach her and then high tail it out of there when he realized she meant business with her barking . *Sigh*

Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.}

[Melissa Brunoehler]

Hi Shakila~

Your dog’s confidence level is still very low. Continue with her obedience that will help boost her confidence. Also if she isn’t already put her on NILIF. You can read more about NILIF in the article section.
It sounds like the Dog Park was too much for your non-socialized pup. For now I would keep her interactions with other dogs in a nice controlled environment, like at class. Use class time for her to gain positive associations with dogs. I would advise that you don’t go back to the Dog Park for a while. Dog parks can be stressful for any dog, even socialized dogs. Practice her obedience before going back; make sure she has a nice solid recall. Also if you do go back go at a time when there are only a couple dogs. You did the right thing by leaving the park. Hope this helps; let us know if you need anything else.


(Cross posted in "Defensive Dogs" folder)


I adopted a female Chi/Terrier mix about a month ago who's about a yr. old. All I know about her history is that she came from a backyard breeder situation although it's obvious she was never socialized. I recently started obedience classes with her and they seem to be great for her confidence as she had a serious barking fit today at the dog park !

I have never heard her bark so viciously before at a bunch of other dogs playing so nice and quietly and minding their own business. She was the only dog there that was causing a problem and try as I might to get her to settle down and be quiet she just kept getting louder and louder until finally I had to take her back home again all in the space of about 5 minutes. People kept looking at me like, “What the hell’s wrong with your dog?”

This is the same dog that went to obedience classes yesterday and played with the little dogs there so nicely not barking at all and the same dog that also came to the beach with me after class and was really well behaved around all the other dogs there, including some bigger ones even though she's still somewhat scared of them. She also charged towards a tiny Chihuahua puppy while I had her on leash and not only did she scare the puppy but she terrified the owner too. She also did that to a small dog at the dog park earlier too who came up to greet her. Can’t figure out why she’s fairly normal one day (as in sweet, although still somewhat fearful or reserved/submissive when meeting new dogs one on one) and then the next day she’s a wild out of control pit bull. She even had a large dog slowly approach her and then high tail it out of there when he realized she meant business with her barking . *Sigh*

Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.}